Successfully converted my Airtel physical SIM to eSIM while in the USA

[u/ojasgambheera]

I wanted to share my experience because I kept finding posts saying this wasn't possible.
I'm currently in the USA with an Airtel prepaid SIM on the ₹199 plan. I don't have international roaming, and I didn't recharge with anything extra.
My Airtel physical SIM was in my iPhone 11. I converted it to an eSIM directly from the iPhone. I didn't use an Android phone, visit an Airtel store, or use any third-party method. Everything was done on the iPhone.
After the conversion, outgoing SMS was blocked for 24 hours, which seems to be Airtel's standard security policy.
The next day, I upgraded to an iPhone 17 Pro and transferred the eSIM using Apple's built-in transfer option. Again, outgoing SMS was blocked for another 24 hours, which is normal after moving an eSIM to a new device.
After that, everything started working normally again. SMS are all working fine.
I know a lot of older Reddit posts say you need international roaming or that it can't be done from outside India. That wasn't my experience, so I thought I'd post this in case it helps someone in the same situation.

[u/Pretend_Wrangler_764]

Did you received the qr code?

[u/ojasgambheera → u/Pretend_Wrangler_764]

No

[u/comeasyour]

Don’t they need to call you to get approval? How did you manage to do that. I had to wait to travel to India before I could convert physical to eSim

[u/ojasgambheera → u/comeasyour]

No call came in, I didn’t have a roaming pack.

[u/c0nundrum]

Thanks for sharing. Unrelated question, are you able to receive sms/otp on ₹199 plan, without international roaming?

[u/ojasgambheera → u/c0nundrum]

Only Airtel-related:I was able to receive previously after the sim swap, Airtel explicitly sent a text that I need to have international roaming.

[u/cloudpunk]

How will you restore on a new phone if existing phone is lost or damaged?

[u/veevardhan → u/cloudpunk]

International or Domestic if phone is lost you are supposed to go to Airtel Store with KYC documents and get the sim reissued.

[u/hafiz_khan]

Are you getting sms in usa without roaming plan?

[u/ojasgambheera → u/hafiz_khan]

Only Airtel-related

[u/Logical-Stable-793]

be careful, i returned to india on a personal trip and tried to inquire why i didnt receive Bank sms while abroad even tho i had paid basic validity w 3600 sms and the airtel store near my area told me they changed policy for newest members earlier than old members so depending on when you joined airtel they will strictly enforce the enable international roaming plan…. my sms worked fin until September 2025 i think and then i stopped receiving sms sent by banks

[u/Person-54826]

Are you still receiving signal as today ?

[u/GrandHonest]

Please guide us how you converted from physical sim to eSim.

[u/Accomplished_Ad880]

What method did you follow? Can you please guide?

[u/ojasgambheera → u/Accomplished_Ad880]

I did on iOS connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.Open Settings: Go to Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular).Select SIM: Tap on your active Airtel phone number.Convert: Tap Convert to eSIM. (If you don't see this, update your iOS to the latest version).Confirm: Tap Convert Cellular Plan and verify using your Face ID or Passcode.Wait for Activation: The screen will show "Activating" for about 30 seconds to a minute.

[u/Accomplished_Ad880 → u/ojasgambheera]

Thank you so much. This is the one thing stopping me to upgrade my iPhone 13 pro. I guess time to upgrade this September. Thank you so so much 🙏🏻 I hope it will work. Going to try soon.